Refugee Policy Reform

This week has witnessed some significant new developments in relation to the controversial issue of mandatory (and indefinite) detention of refugees and asylum-seekers in Australia.

In fact, Liberal politicians are taking important steps towards a just and more humane refugee policy.

Two Private Member’s Bills have been proposed by Petro Georgiou (Liberal-Victoria). The first Bill is a “Bill for an act of compassion”, which seeks to give permanent resident status for holders of temporary protection visas - a welcome news to the refugee advocates.

The second Bill is a “Bill for an Act to reform the mandatory detention system”. Its principal objective is to place a 90-day limit on the detention of refugees and asylum-seekers.

Both Bills will be discussed behind closed doors, in the Liberal Party room, although there is no guarantee of an open debate in the Australian Parliament.

Watch this spot!